Fast-growing aquarium plants

Fast-growing plants absorb nitrates and phosphates more quickly than slow growers, which makes them useful in a newly cycled tank, after a heavy fish load, or when battling algae. Hornwort and Duckweed are the fastest in this library. The trade-off is frequent trimming: a stem plant that grows 5–10 cm per week will need cutting back every two weeks or it will shade out everything below it.

9 species on this list.

Hornwort
Ceratophyllum demersum
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Can be floated or loosely planted; will shed needles when conditions change. Trims frequently, cut the top growth and replant. Good for cycling tanks due to high nutrient uptake.
Water Wisteria
Hygrophila difformis
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Plant stems in bunches in substrate. Trims easily, replant cuttings directly. Leaf shape varies with light: broad and simple in low light, finely divided in brighter conditions.
Water Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria spiralis
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Do not bury the crown. Plant individual runners in sand or fine gravel. Fast-spreading: thin runners regularly to prevent them from overtaking the tank. Good option for alkaline tap water setups.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Roots provide cover and biofilm for shrimp and fry. Trim regularly so it does not block all light. Needs surface agitation to be gentle, strong spray bars will push it around and stunt growth. Good for bettas and shy surface fish.
Duckweed
Lemna minor
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Good for tanks with goldfish or other herbivores that will eat it as food. Nearly impossible to fully eradicate, only introduce if you accept a permanent presence. Skimmer/overflow tanks spread it fast.
Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala rotundifolia
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Plant in bunches; trim the tops and replant for a bushy background. Higher light will bring out red/orange colouring. Easy to propagate from cuttings.
Hygrophila Polysperma
Hygrophila polysperma
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Almost impossible to kill. Trim frequently, it becomes a jungle fast. Plant cuttings directly in substrate. Good for giving a new tank a head start on nutrient cycling.
Brazilian Pennywort
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth
Can be grown planted or floating, floating growth is fastest. Trim frequently. Leaves are distinctive and add visual interest to mid or background zones. Low maintenance and adapts to a wide range of conditions.

Other plant guides

Plan your stocking with the tank builder or browse all plant profiles. Tank size pages: 30L · 60L · 100L · 200L